Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 0, Oklahoma City Energy FC 1

By Eddie Ralph, 04/11/17, 8:00PM PDT

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Sacramento Republic FC drop first match of the season 1-0 to Oklahoma City Energy FC after playing with just 10-men after receiving their first red card of the season. Miguel Gonzalez’ bicycle kick goal proved to be the difference, despite Republic FC dominating possession.

Republic FC started the match very strong, attacking the Oklahoma City Energy FC defense early and often. Republic FC saw their first strong chance just 30 seconds into the match after a play down the left side where midfielder Daniel Trickett-Smith received the ball around 30 yards out and unleashed a powerful shot. Trickett-Smith’s shot looked destined for the near post, but Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi was there for the sliding save.

Despite Republic FC enjoying over 60 percent of the possession in the first half, it was Energy FC who would break through first in the 30th minute. Defender Michael Harris made an impressive flip throw from near the centerline that deflected off the head of a Republic FC player toward the middle of the box. Midfielder Miguel Gonzalez was in the right place at the right time as he redirected the deflection with a beautiful bicycle kick past Republic FC keeper Evan Newton and into the bottom left corner of the goal, giving Energy FC the 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Republic FC continued their pressure on the Energy FC defense in the second half, seeing their first chance on goal in the 57th minute. Defender James Kiffe threw the ball in to forward Tyler Blackwood on the left side of the box. Blackwood immediately played the ball back to Kiffe who split the defense before laying it off to forward Wilson Kneeshaw. The forward chased the ball back toward the middle before playing it back to Trickett-Smith who hit a strong shot from about 25 yards out in the middle of the field, but Laurendi was there again for the save maintaining Energy FC’s 1-0 lead.

In the 82nd minute Republic FC was reduced to just 10-men. Defender Chris Christian was shown a second yellow card for a hard tackle on Miguel Gonzalez near the middle of the pitch. The red card was the first for Republic FC in 2017, but their third in Oklahoma City since 2014.

Republic FC battled hard for the final eight minutes despite being down a man, getting one of their best looks at goal three minutes into stoppage time. Kiffe made a good move down the left side of the field, splitting the two-man defense near the edge of the box, before sending a cross toward the back post. Substitute forward Trevin Caesar made a good run to be in position, but his header went high.